Transforming ADHD Diagnosis in Children - QbTest
Following innovation exchange work focussing on mental health, EMAHSN supported QbTest a diagnostic tool which measures the core indicator symptoms of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). On average, QbTest can reduce time to diagnosis by 153 days and provide 20% cost reductions.
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Overview
ADHD affects 3-5% of children in the UK. Diagnosis relies on clinical observation and subjective parent, teacher and self-reporting. Children can wait on average 18 months from their first appointment to receiving a formal diagnosis.
EMAHSN have been supporting the roll out of QbTest, which simultaneously measures attention, impulsivity and motor activity. These indicators are the main symptoms of ADHD and accurate measurement adds objectivity to support faster diagnosis.
“As a clinician with extensive experience in assessment, diagnosis and treatment of ADHD, I can honestly say that the addition of QbTest has revolutionised my clinical practice. The feedback from clinicians, parents and schools so far has all been extremely positive. We are already planning how we can extend the use of QbTests into other areas.”
Dr Julie Clarke, Consultant Paediatrician at United Lincolnshire Hospitals
How did the Innovation Exchange help?
EMAHSN’s mental health innovation exchange event brought together the region’s STPs and health and care partners to establish key themes – child and adolescent mental health services (CAMHS) were recognised as a priority. Support and funding of up to £300,000 was offered to innovation programmes that tackled these priorities. QbTest’s proposal was successful and following the innovation exchange event, received funding for a clinical trial across three East Midlands trusts.
Impact & Outcomes
With EMAHSN support, this innovation has spread to 41 NHS trusts and 73 clinics in England, and to four trusts in Northern Ireland with impressive outcomes:
- Time from assessment to diagnosis reduced by an average of 153 days
- Net cost reductions of up to 39% overall
- Released between 20 and 33% in clinical workforce time
There are plans for wider adoption and spread beyond the sites currently using QbTest.